ABSTRACT
Objective:To survey the present knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding tuberculosis among medical students and resident housestaff. Design: Cross-sectional survey of 662 health care workers (497 medical students and 165 resident housestaff) volunteered to answer anonymous surveys prior to their present at their respective orientation sessions and infection control lectures (or OSHA training). Measurements: A 65-item questionnaire was developed and reviewed by 2 public health experts and 2 medical professionals to serve the purpose of the study. Results: Findings demonstrated that students doing the clinical component of medical school scored higher (M=76.3) than the group of students in their pre-clinical component of medical school and that there was a significant main effect for current residency status as a new or returning resident. It was additionally found that self-efficacy scores were higher for each increasing level of outcome expectations, F (2, 486)=27.07, p < .001, although to a lesser degree than with behavioral capability, and that increments in knowledge scores occurred between low and medium and medium and high levels of behavioral capability. Lastly, it was shown that those students with previous practical experience had a significantly higher self-efficacy score (M=30.4, SD=4.80), than those without previous practical experience. Conclusions: Results suggest that the relationship between the knowledge, attitudes and experiences of medical students and housestaff may mediate their ability to practice self- and interpersonal preventive and protective measures, as well as their ability to treat patients with TB.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to: 1. Apply the Social Cognitive Theory in the implementation of medical preventive TB care protocols. 2. To articulate the effects of low self-efficacy and insufficient knowledge on TB outcome expectations.
Keywords: Tuberculosis, Prevention
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.